ASK
BONNIE for June 2004
Question #1:
What is your opinion of all the low carb foods out there?
Answer #1:
Now that the "Low Carb Craze" is in full swing, I have been getting deluged with inquiries about "Low Carb" foods. My answer is simple: if you eliminated simple, empty carbohydrates and are still eating real carbs, then you are doing it right. If you are living on "Low Carb" foods made by companies such as Atkins, then you are eating "dead foods" that will be harmful to your long-term health. Foods that are loaded with chemicals, malabsorbed ingredients, allergens, trans fats, and empty calories are not going to build your health. I have listed three popular "Low Carb" items and have broken down the ingredient labels for you. Items in bold are considered a "no-no's."
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Carborite Candy Coated Chocolate
Ingredients: Sugar free milk chocolate (erythritol, oligofructose, cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, calcium carbonate, sodium caseinate,
milk fat, natural & artificial flavors, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), maltodextrin, sucralose, magnesium chloride, zinc citrate, chromium
chloride), maltitol, artificial colors (red 40 lake, yellow 5 & 6 lake, blue 1 lake, titanium dioxide), tapioca dextrin, gum arabic,
sorbitol, hydrogenated vegetable oil (coconut origin), citric acid, sorbic acid, carnauba wax, confectioners glaze, sucralose (Splenda brand) and traces of other tree nuts.
Notes: Sodium Caseinate is a monosodium glutamate (MSG) derivative. If you have allergies or sensitivities to milk (sodium caseinate, milk fat), soy (soy lecithin), or corn (erythritol, maltodextrin, and sorbitol), this product is not an option. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are trans fats, a cardiac no-no. All artificial colors listed are toxic. Sugar alcohols Erythritol and Sorbitol have been known to cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea. Small amounts may be okay. Non-caloric sweeteners such as Sucralose have been known to cause
myriad of side effects.
Nutrition Facts: Serving Size 1 Pouch (30g), Calories 120, Calories from Fat 60, Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 4.5g, Sodium 15mg, Total Carbohydrates
24g*, Fiber 5g, Sugars 0g, Sugar Alcohol 18g, Protein 1g. *Effective Carbs 1
Notes: Sugar Alcohols are not nearly as glycemic as sugar because it passes through the g.i. tract undigested. Many clients have complained of a lingering alcohol aftertaste when consuming
sugar alcohols in large amounts.
Atkins AdvantageTM Bar - Chocolate Decadence
Ingredients: Protein blend (Soy protein isolate, hydrolyzed collagen, whey protein isolate, calcium/sodium caseinate), glycerine, polydextrose (fiber), chocolate pieces (maltitol, alkalized chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, lecithin, vanilla extract), cocoa powder, cocoa butter, water, natural coconut oil (non-hydrogenated), cellulose, olive oil, lecithin, natural and
artificial flavor, maltodextrin, guar gum, citric acid (flavor enhancer), sucralose (Splenda® brand non-nutritive sweetener).
Notes: Most Atkins' products have soy, so avoid if soy allergic/sensitive. Hydrolyzed Collagen and Calcium/Sodium Caseinate are monosodium glutamate (MSG) derivatives. If you have allergies or sensitivities to milk (whey protein isolate, calcium/sodium caseinate), soy (soy protein isolate, lecithin), or corn (polydextrose, malitol, maltodextrin), this product not an option. Sugar alcohols Polydextrose and especially Malitol, cause problems as previously mentioned. Non-caloric sweeteners such as Sucralose have been known to cause problems as previously mentioned.
Atkins Breakfast Bar Apple Crisp
Ingredients: Soy nuggets (soy protein isolate, tapioca starch, salt), cocoa butter, protein blend (calcium caseinate, hydrolyzed collagen),
polydextrose (fiber), glycerin, dry roasted soybeans, roasted almonds, sunflower oil, dried apple pieces, natural and artificial flavor, cellulose,
maltitol, dicalcium phosphate, soy lecithin, spice, sucralose (Splenda Brand non-nutritive sweetener), malic acid.
Notes: Hydrolyzed Collagen and Calcium Caseinate are monosodium glutamate (MSG) derivatives. If you have allergies or sensitivities to milk (calcium caseinate), soy (soy protein isolate, dry roasted soybeans, lecithin), or corn (polydextrose, malitol), this product not an option. Sugar alcohols Polydextrose and especially Malitol, cause problems as previously mentioned. Non-caloric sweeteners such as Sucralose have been known to cause problems as previously mentioned.
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Sugar alcohol and alcoholic beverages do not have the same chemical structure. Sugar alcohol does not contain ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages. Sugar alcohols contain less calories (1.5 - 3 calories per gram) than sugar (4 calories per gram), and they do not cause tooth decay like sugar does.
Unfortunately, the most common side effect is the possibility of bloating and diarrhea when sugar alcohols are eaten in excessive amounts. Weight gain has been seen when these products are overeaten. Some people with diabetes, especially Type I diabetics, have found that their blood sugars rise if sugar alcohols are eaten in uncontrolled amounts.
Forms of sugar alcohol
Mannitol is extracted from seaweed for use in food manufacturing. Mannitol lingers in the intestines for a long time and therefore often causes bloating and diarrhea.
Sorbitol is manufactured from corn syrup. It has less of a tendency to cause diarrhea compared to mannitol. In large amounts, sorbitol may cause a laxative effect.
Xylitol is manufactured from corn.
Lactitol is produced from milk sugar.
Isomalt is produced by the hydrogenation of corn sucrose. Hydrogenation creates trans fats.
Maltitol is derived from chicory and roasted malt and may promote flatulence (gas) and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Erythritol is created by a fermentation process derived from corn.
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH) are produced by the partial hydrolysis of corn. Hydrogenation creates trans fats. Hydrolysis creates monosodium glutamate derivatives.
Polydextrose is prepared by melting and heating corn dextrose in the presence of sorbitol and an acid catalyst.
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Hydrogenation, Hydrolysis, MSG, Artificial Colors/Flavors, Sugar Alcohols? You could get exhausted just by reading the label! Low carb foods are empty foods. Why do you think nutritional blends are added to the products? Because they are cheap, "fake foods," that are never found in nature. By eating these products on a daily basis, you may also run the risk of creating allergies/food sensitivities (soy, corn and milk products are three of the most common food allergens).
For more information, read my 11/03 column in Conscious Choice
Magazine.
Have a happy, healthy day.
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